Relative to National Stroke Awareness Month.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Addis and 88 co-sponsors

SCR 156 officially designates National Stroke Awareness Month in California, promoting education on stroke symptoms and rapid emergency response without creating new laws or duties

Chaptered by Secretary of State. Res. Chapter 83, Statutes of 2026.

#nationalstrokeawarenessmonth

Summary of SCR 156 (2025-2026) – Relative to National Stroke Awareness Month

SCR 156 is a California Senate Concurrent Resolution recognizing a designated time to raise awareness about stroke. As a concurrent resolution, it expresses the sense of both chambers and the Governor regarding an issue or commemoration but does not by itself create new law or impose new duties on state agencies or the public. The bill’s primary effect is symbolic and educational, aimed at public acknowledgment and alignment with national health messaging.

Purpose and intent

Officially designate or advocate for National Stroke Awareness Month to be observed or recognized within California.

Promote awareness of stroke symptoms, risk factors, prevention strategies, and the importance of timely emergency response.

Encourage coordination among state agencies, healthcare providers, public health organizations, and the public to improve stroke prevention, treatment, and outcomes.

Key provisions and changes

Formal declaration by the California Legislature in a concurrent resolution acknowledging National Stroke Awareness Month.

Encouragement for state and local governments, health organizations, and communities to participate in awareness activities.

Promotion of education about recognizing stroke symptoms (e.g., FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911) and the importance of rapid medical evaluation.

Emphasis on prevention efforts such as blood pressure control, healthy lifestyle choices, and management of stroke risk factors (e.g., atrial fibrillation, diabetes, high cholesterol).

Note: As a concurrent resolution, SCR 156 typically does not:
- Create new programs, funding, or regulatory requirements.
- Mandate actions by local governments or state agencies beyond exhortation and public messaging.
- Establish ongoing reporting or compliance mechanisms.

Affected parties and impact

General public in California, particularly individuals at risk for stroke and their families.

Healthcare professionals, hospitals, and public health organizations involved in stroke education and outreach.

State agencies and departments that would ordinarily participate in public health awareness campaigns (subject to discretion, not mandatory requirements).

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced and referred to the Committee on Rules, Legislative, or relevant policy committee (RLS) in May 2026.

Passed committee consideration with all members voting in favor (as indicated by the record of Ayes 9, Nos 0).

Advanced to the Assembly and subsequently to the Senate, where it was read and enrolled.

Final action: Enrolled and filed with the Secretary of State on June 5, 2026; Chaptered as Chapter 83, Statutes of 2026, the same day.

Practical significance

Signals California’s alignment with national public health efforts to raise stroke awareness.

Provides a formal opportunity to educate the public about recognizing stroke symptoms promptly and seeking emergency care, which can reduce treatment delays and improve outcomes.

May complement existing stroke prevention and awareness campaigns by reinforcing public health messaging.

If you’d like, I can compare SCR 156 to similar resolutions in prior years or outline potential opportunities for state agencies to implement awareness activities consistent with the resolution’s intent.